Cell C will launch WiFi calling to its full customer base on 1 October.

“With thousands of WiFi hotspots nationally and millions more internationally, this service will really provide customers with an affordable mobile service anywhere in the world,” says Cell C CEO Jose Dos Santos.

Cell C WiFi calling effectively turns any WiFi hotspot into a Cell C base station, providing customers extended coverage, wherever they are, to make calls and send SMSs seamlessly over the WiFi network. Unlike VoIP services (app to app calling), customers do not have to download an application but simply enable the service via their phone settings on a supported WiFi enabled handset. Both contract and prepaid customers will benefit from this service if they have a WiFi calling-enabled handset, a Cell C USIM and they are connected to a WiFi network/hotspot.

“Whether you are in a basement or find yourself in an area with no cellular coverage, WiFi access will enable you to still receive a full mobile experience, including voice, USSD self-service and SMS,” says Dos Santos.

The integrated service means that you can simply use your handset’s regular dialler to make a call and use USSD, or messaging service to send a text message.

International travellers will be able to use a hotel WiFi or any WiFi hotspot to make calls, at their local Cell C tariff plan rates when dialling anyone in the world on any cellular network. In addition, it will not cost them anything to receive a call.

Cell C will launch WiFi calling with the AG Style handset, which will be available from all accredited retailers countrywide from 1 October.

During October, this service will be released on the AG Shine, ZTE V6 and ZTE V6 Lite handsets with the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge to follow in November.   Two additional devices from Samsung will be WiFi calling capable before year-end with the Huawei P8 Lite expected to be fully WiFi functional during the first quarter of 2016.